Scientists in the US have harnessed the blue glow of a sea-dwelling algae to create light-emitting 3D-printed structures. The single-celled organism Pyrocystis lunula naturally produces brief flashes of blue light, often seen in waves breaking against beaches.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder induced a sustained glow by exposing the algae to an acidic solution. Giulia Brachi, lead author of the study published in Science Advances, said the algae glowed for up to 25 minutes at a time. The team encapsulated the algae in a hydrogel and 3D-printed shapes including a crescent moon, which glowed a strong cyan blue.
The algae's bioluminescence relies on the enzyme luciferase reacting with luciferin. Prof Wil Srubar, a co-author, suggested potential applications such as glowsticks or biosensors that light up when detecting toxins. However, Prof Chris Howe of the University of Cambridge noted that moving from lab to real-world use remains a challenge.
Prof Anthony Campbell of Cardiff University expressed scepticism about the algae's survival in the acidic solution (pH 4), calling it stressful. The evolutionary purpose of the algae's glow remains unknown, though it may serve as a defence mechanism against predators.
